SS: Stellar Fusion

Introduction:

Stars release energy, so they must have a source of potential energy. We find this potential energy turning to radiant energy, as gravity fuses hydrogen into helium.

Activities:

TMBG (Video)

Fusion in the Sun (Sim)

G4: Fusion in the Sun (Quia)

Conclusion:

Fusion is the process of squeezing nuclei together. When they fuse into a single nucleus, energy is released. We see gravity do this in the sun; we have made Hydrogen bombs; we hope that lasers will be able to fuse hydrogen for commercial power plants.

Enrichment:

The Elements: Forged in Stars (Video Clip)

The Hydrogen Bomb

Fusion Power